Yleiskartan

Yleiskartan is a Finnish term referring to a general map or base map. It denotes a broad-purpose representation of a geographic area designed to provide orientation and an overview for various users, including authorities, businesses, educators, GIS professionals, and the public. The concept emphasizes legibility and practicality over specialized thematic detail.

A yleiskartan typically includes essential geographic features such as topography or relief, water bodies, transportation networks (roads and railways), settlements, and basic land-use boundaries. The features are generalized to maintain clarity across larger extents, and the map often uses simplified symbols and a coherent legend. Scales for general maps generally fall within ranges like 1:50,000 to 1:250,000, though exact scales depend on the product and the issuing authority.

In Finland, yleiskartan-type products are produced and distributed by national mapping institutions, such as the Maanmittauslaitos, and are often made available through open data portals and map services. They may exist as digital vector or raster datasets, and as web map services (WMS/WFS) or downloadable files, suitable for use as a base layer in GIS applications, printed materials, or educational contexts. The emphasis is on providing a reliable, easy-to-use reference layer that supports a wide range of activities.

Yleiskartan is distinct from specialized thematic maps or cadastral maps; it serves as a general reference layer that underpins more detailed analyses, planning efforts, and everyday navigation. It complements more detailed datasets used in urban planning, environmental management, and outdoor activities.